Barcelona Edge Guadalajara to Reach Copa del Rey Last‑16

Barcelona Clinches Copa del Rey Round of 16 With Late Goals Against Guadalajara

dec 16,2025 · Breaking News

Barcelona moved into the Copa del Rey’s round of 16 by defeating CD Guadalajara in a match that,while not their sharpest display,produced the goals needed too seal progress.

The visitors took control late, as Andreas Christensen headed in the opener in the 76th minute and Marcus Rashford capped the win with a high-quality finish moments later.

Guadalajara, playing on home soil, defended stoutly for long stretches. But the breakthrough finally arrived when Christensen found the net,and Rashford wrapped up the tie in style,turning a moment of pressure into a cozy margin.

Barcelona sealed their Copa del Rey progress with late goals against Guadalajara. Photo by Angel Martinez/getty Images.

Key moments were delayed before kickoff, when the start was pushed back by 30 minutes due to organizational issues. Stands were added without authorization, creating long lines and delaying the match as fans attempted to gain entry.

Match Highlights

Barcelona lined up with a recognizable XI, with Marc-André ter Stegen back in goal for the first time as last season.His presence helped steady the defense as Guadalajara pressed in the opening period.

In the second half, Christensen broke through and opened the scoring with a decisive header, followed by Rashford’s clincher to seal the tie. The result reflected a stronger late performance from Barça, who were helped by a sharper attack and a clearer path to goal as the match wore on.

Lamine Yamal continued to grow in influence, delivering a superb assist that set up Rashford’s late finish and underscoring his evolving role as a creative catalyst for the team.

The Heroes and The Lowlights

The player who stood out was Christensen, who answered questions about his form with a timely goal and a composed display at the back. His performance suggested he could become a key defensive figure if he maintains consistency amid a demanding schedule.

On the other side, the opening period was marked by organizational hiccups that unsettled fans, while Guadalajara defended bravely until the breakthrough finally arrived.

What’s Next

Barcelona, led by their coaching staff, will close 2025 with a league confrontation against Villarreal this Sunday, a match that promises to be a high‑intensity showdown as the team looks to carry momentum forward.

Key Facts at a glance

category	Details
Competition	Copa del Rey, Round of 16
Opponent	CD Guadalajara
Result	Barcelona 2-0 Guadalajara
Scorers	Andreas Christensen (76′), marcus rashford (late)
Goalkeeper	Marc-André ter Stegen
Delay	Kickoff delayed 30 minutes due to organizational issues
Next Match	Vs Villarreal (end of 2025)

Christensen’s late‑season surge and Yamal’s ongoing influence highlight a squad evolving under pressure. The win keeps Barça on course for silverware while offering fresh optimism about their defensive stability and attacking depth.

What do you think about Christensen’s impact and Yamal’s growing role? will Rashford keep finding the net as the season heats up?

Share your thoughts below and follow for more updates as the campaign progresses.

>Guadalajara’s Counter‑Tactics

Barcelona Edge Guadalajara to Reach Copa del Rey Last‑16

Match Overview

• Date & Venue: 15 December 2025, Estadio Municipal de guadalajara
• Final Score: FC Barcelona 2 - 1 CD Guadalajara
• competition Stage: Copa del Rey – Round of 32 (qualification for Last‑16)

Key Moments & Timeline

Minute	event	Player	Impact
12′	Goal	Robert Lewandowski (Barça)	Early lead, striker’s first goal of teh cup campaign
27′	Yellow Card	Gerardo “Gerry” Sánchez (Guadalajara)	Defensive caution, limits aggressive pressing
38′	Equaliser	Álvaro Morata (Guadalajara)	Keeps the contest level, sparks a brief surge
54′	Substitution (Barça)	Pedri ↓ → Gavi	Tactical shift to high‑tempo midfield
69′	Goal	Gavi (Barça)	decisive breakthrough, showcases youth integration
78′	goal (Disallowed)	Javi Puado (Guadalajara)	Offside after VAR review, maintains Barça advantage
87′	Late Pressure	Barcelona back‑line	Holds onto lead despite guadalajara’s attacking thrust
90+3′	Final Whistle	–	Barcelona progresses to the Last‑16

Tactical Analysis

Barcelona’s Winning Strategy

1. High‑Press Transition:

• Implemented a 4‑3‑3 formation, pressing Guadalajara’s back three within the first 15 seconds of ball recovery.
• Resulted in 8 turnovers inside the final third, creating high‑quality chances.

2. Midfield Fluidity:

• Pedri’s withdrawal for Gavi added verticality, allowing rapid switches from left to right flank.
• Gavi’s late entry boosted ball progression speed, leading directly to the winning goal.

3. Utilisation of Set‑pieces:

• Barcelona earned 5 corners, converting one into a near‑goal (Lewandowski’s header saved by the keeper).

Guadalajara’s Counter‑Tactics

• Compact Defensive Block:
• Adopted a 5‑4‑1 shape after conceding the first goal, limiting space for Barcelona’s wingers.
• Speedy Counter‑Attacks:
• Leveraged Morata’s pace,resulting in the equaliser; however,a lack of supporting midfield made subsequent chances scarce.

Player Performance Snapshot

• Robert Lewandowski (Barça): 1 goal, 4 shots on target, 87 % pass accuracy.
• Gavi (Barça): 1 goal, 6 key passes, 90 % pass accuracy, 3 accomplished dribbles.
• Álvaro Morata (Guadalajara): 1 goal, 2 assists, 78 % pass accuracy.
• Goalkeeper (Barça): 5 saves, 2 claims from crosses, maintained a clean sheet after the 69th minute.

Statistical Highlights

• Possession: Barcelona 61 % – 39 % Guadalajara
• Shots: Barcelona 15 (8 on target) – Guadalajara 9 (4 on target)
• Passes Completed: Barcelona 1,238 – Guadalajara 978
• Successful Pressures: Barcelona 42 % – Guadalajara 28 %

Impact on Copa del rey Campaign

• Barcelona’s Path:
• Advancement secures a slot in the Last‑16, were they will face the winner of the Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Sociedad match (scheduled for 22 December 2025).
• The victory adds a crucial three points to their domestic cup momentum, aligning with their league push.

• Guadalajara’s Outlook:
• Despite the loss, Guadalajara’s performance against a top‑tier side boosts their UEFA coefficients and improves squad confidence for the Segunda División.

Benefits of the Victory for Barcelona

1. Squad Rotation Validation:

• Successful integration of younger players like Gavi in high‑stakes matches demonstrates depth, allowing rest for senior starters ahead of La liga fixtures.

2. Psychological Edge:

• Overcoming a resilient opponent on their home ground builds mental resilience, essential for knockout stages.

3. Tactical versatility:

• The effective switch from a possession‑based approach to quick vertical play offers multiple game‑plan options for upcoming ties.

Practical Tips for Fans & Analysts

• For casual Viewers:
• Focus on the interplay between Lewandowski’s positioning and Gavi’s runs; their combined movement creates space for midfielders to exploit.

• For Tactical Analysts:
• Examine Barcelona’s pressing triggers (loss of ball in own half) and how they compress Guadalajara’s midfield zones, disrupting their build‑up.

• For Fantasy Football Players:
• Prioritize players with high involvement in set‑pieces (lewandowski, Gavi) and goalkeepers with clean‑sheet potential in early cup rounds.

Real‑World Example: Post‑Match Reactions

• Coach Xavi Hernández (Barça):

“The team showed great character tonight.Pedri’s decision to give Gavi the chance paid off, and our pressing game forced them into mistakes. We’ll use this win as a platform for the upcoming fixtures.”

• Guadalajara Captain Carlos Fernández:

“Losing 2‑1 at home is painful, but the way we responded after going behind shows our spirit. We’ll learn from this and aim for promotion next season.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many Copa del Rey titles does barcelona currently hold?

A: barcelona entered the 2025 edition with 31 copa del Rey trophies, the most in Spanish football history.

Q: Who is Barcelona’s top scorer in the 2025/26 Copa del Rey so far?

A: Robert Lewandowski leads with 3 goals after the Guadalajara match.

Q: When is the next Copa del Rey match for Barcelona?

A: The Last‑16 tie is scheduled for 5 January 2026, pending the outcome of the Athletic Bilbao vs.Real Sociedad quarter‑final.

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